Scheduled for redevelopment

According to Channel NewsAsia, by Dec 2016, 90 percent of Dakota Crescent residents had already moved out.

The redevelopment plan also meant the end of the Old Dove playground, which is one of the most iconic and #instaworthy playgrounds in Singapore.

Saving Dakota Crescent

A wave of nostalgia washed over most Singaporeans, when they discovered that Dakota Crescent was scheduled for redevelopment. Art projects, farewell tours and films were even made about the estate.

Notably, a Facebook page called Save Dakota Crescent was created in the hopes of conserving as much of Dakota Crescent as possible.

In 2016, Save Dakota Crescent came up with a detailed conservation report outlining their plans to save Dakota Crescent. The conservation group rallied the community, and their efforts were so outstanding that they got what they wanted.

Without their determination to save this piece of history, Old Dove playground could’ve been nothing more but a distant memory.

Their efforts were then bolstered by Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan, who filed a motion in parliament to discuss saving Dakota Crescent.

The Straits Times reported that Mr Lim stated that “the estate has architectural, historical and social significance”.

His motion was backed by nominated MP Kok Heng Leun, a prominent figure in the Singapore art scene, who said that the “ground-up initiative with bold vision” of those organising the conservation efforts, should be taken sincerely.

Successful Conservation

Surprisingly enough, Minister Lawrence Wong recently announced that parts of Dakota Crescent, including the Old Dove Playground, will be retained.

Instead of being removed, they will be overhauled as part of an addition to the new HDB residences.

In the lengthy Facebook post below, he detailed the conservation efforts.